Mike Tyson sees through Tyson Fury’s mind games, hopes Francis Ngannou fights aggressively

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Mike Tyson claims that Tyson Fury has been using psychological tactics to mess with Francis Ngannou’s head.

Fury and Ngannou are set to face each other in a much-anticipated 10-round boxing match this Saturday, pitting the lineal boxing heavyweight champion against the lineal MMA heavyweight champion. Before the fight, they have been attending various media functions together, including grand arrivals, open workouts, and a pre-fight news conference.

Throughout the week, Fury has been taunting Ngannou, calling him names like “little man” and “a big, fat sausage,” while mocking his physique. At the weigh-ins, Fury even stepped into Ngannou’s face, only to back off and laugh.

However, Tyson sees through Fury’s tactics.

“It’s psychological,” Tyson told MMA Junkie and other reporters on Friday. “Tyson likes to get in your head.”

But here’s the thing—Ngannou has endured immense struggles in his life, going from a Cameroonian refugee smuggled into Europe to becoming the UFC heavyweight champion. These experiences have made him immune to Fury’s antics.

According to Tyson, “I don’t think so. He’s very polite and composed all the time, very sophisticated and respectful. He’s a different kind of fighter. I have never seen this kind of demeanor before.”

Considering it’s Ngannou’s boxing debut, he faces an uphill battle against Fury. But Tyson believes that being aggressive, using the jab, and coming forward gives Ngannou his best chance in the fight. Despite being at a height disadvantage, Ngannou can target Fury’s body and fight from a lower position.

For more information on the matchup, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Fury vs. Ngannou.

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie